Partnering with Parents

Yesterday’s article on starting a parent ministry resonated with many readers so we’re back today with a few more tips for partnering with parents.

A healthy youth ministry has great parent interaction, involvement and information—here are a few ideas to help you connect with the parents of the students in your ministry.

Host a youth ministry orientation meeting.
Steal a page from the public schools and welcome the incoming class of students in your ministry with a orientation meeting. Consider hosting a simple dessert night with testimonies of other students, parents, and volunteers. Focus on life change, discipleship, and fun. Maybe even have a night where parents “tour” your student ministry by visiting several rooms for presentations.

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KidUnique will teach adults how to combat much of the
negativity, frustration, and hopelessness that kids feel.
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Keep them in the loop about what happened at youth group.
Youth ministry isn’t meant to be a secret meeting in the old church sanctuary! Keep parents in the loop with a quick email that lets them know what you covered, what’s ahead, and arm them with a few discussion questions or conversation triggers to keep the spiritual growth happening at home.

Invite them to youth group.
The invitation to parents attending youth group is always open—but the “open door” is rarely darkened by the presence of a parent! What if once a quarter you hosted a parents’ weekend or family praise and worship night? Instead of asking parents to peer on a regularly scheduled event, create one specifically with them in mind!
Connect parents and small group leaders.
Not to long ago a pastor friend of ours told shared about his raving parents after a parent/small group leader breakfast. What a great idea! Connecting parents to their teenager’s spiritual leader /mentor is a fantastic connection you can facilitate to bring it all full circle.

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KidUnique will teach adults how to combat much of the 
negativity, frustration, and hopelessness that kids feel.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Do a senior awards night.
A great way to mark the end of an era with your students and parents is to host a senior honor night with great stories of both small group leaders and parents. I imagine it as a fantastic night of encouragement and celebration of the partnership in the discipleship of every student.

How else are you partnering with the parents in your ministry?